IMAX 70mm is a film format that runs 15-perf 70mm film, the largest, with a taller 1.43:1 image, while standard 70mm film is smaller.
IMAX 70mm
Uses 15-perf 70mm film running horizontally. Image is 1.43:1 and very large. Few theaters can show it.
Standard 70mm
Uses 5-perf 70mm film, giving a 2.20:1 wide image.
Resolution
IMAX 70mm has about 10 times the film area of 35mm.
Examples
Oppenheimer (2023) and Dunkirk (2017) were shot in IMAX 70mm.
Theaters
Fewer than 30 worldwide can project 15-perf 70mm film.
Difference
IMAX is taller and sharper.
Film and projection basics
IMAX 70mm refers to film shot or printed on 65mm negative stock, with 15 perforations per frame running horizontally through the projector, giving the biggest image area. Standard 70mm uses 5 perforations per frame vertically. The IMAX 15/70 frame is about 10 times the area of a standard 35mm frame.
- IMAX 15/70 film has an estimated resolution equivalent of about 18K by some estimates, though numbers vary.
- Aspect ratio is 1.43:1 for full IMAX 70mm, which is almost square, filling a tall screen.
- Christopher Nolan films such as Dunkirk (2017), Oppenheimer (2023) and The Odyssey (2026) used IMAX 70mm cameras.
Where to see it
Only a small number of theaters worldwide have IMAX 70mm projectors, around 30 or fewer. Standard 70mm is shown in other specialty venues. Digital IMAX uses laser or xenon projectors on large screens but at lower resolution than 15/70 film. Check the theater listing for “IMAX 70mm” and book early, since screenings sell out.
Film and projection basics
70mm film uses 70 millimeter wide film stock, about double the area of 35mm, giving high resolution. IMAX is a format with larger screens and aspect ratios up to 1.43:1 with 15 perforation 70mm film. Many IMAX theaters are digital.
Where to see it
Few theaters can show 15/70 film prints. Check the IMAX locations for film capable venues.
Film format and image size
70mm film uses a negative about 65 millimeters wide, with a 5 perforation frame, giving a much larger image area than standard 35mm. IMAX 70mm uses 15 perforation frames, running the film horizontally, so each frame is about three times larger than normal 70mm and roughly ten times the area of 35mm. IMAX film has a 1.43 to 1 aspect ratio.
Screening and availability
Standard 70mm screens at a 2.20 to 1 ratio on a large screen with warm film grain, while IMAX 70mm fills a very tall screen and delivers the highest resolution. Only a few dozen theaters in the world have the IMAX 70mm projectors. Nolan films such as Oppenheimer (2023) used both. Most IMAX theaters today use digital projection with laser systems, which is different. Check showtimes for the exact format and seat location.
Based on data from IMAX Corporation and the American Society of Cinematographers
